Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.